8/14/2019 Working Matters / Volume 1-Issue 1 ~ March 2, 2009

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An Ipsos-Reid poll con-ducted for WorkSafeBCand the Association ofWorker's compensationBoards of Canada foundthat 61% of Canadians

believe that workplaceaccidents are inevitable.

This statistic is disturbing,primarily because work-place accidents can beprevented they should notbe considered inevitable.

Did you know that in allCanadian jurisdictions,employers are responsi-ble for taking every rea-sonable precaution toensure the health andsafety of there workers?

This is called the "duediligence" requirement.

The specific duties of theemployer include filling ingovernment accident re-ports, maintaining re-cords, ensuring thatsafety rules are enforced,and posting safety noticesand legislative informa-tion.

Employees are responsi-ble for taking reasonablecare to protect their ownhealth and safety and, inmost cases, that of theircoworkers.

Specific requirementsinclude wearing protectiveclothing and equipment,reporting any contraven-tion of the law or regula-tions.

Employees have three

basic rights under the joint responsibi l i ty(employer/employee)model:

1. The right to knowabout workplace safety

hazards,2. The right to partici-pate in the occupationalhealth and safety proc-ess

3. The right to refuseunsafe work if they havereasonable cause tobelieve that the work isdangerous.

Reasonable causeusually means that acomplaint about a work-

place hazard has notbeen satisfactorily re-solved, or a safety prob-lem places employees inimmediate danger.

If performance of a taskwould adversely affecthealth and safety, aworker cannot be disci-plined for refusing to doa job.

To find out more on howto protect your health

and safety there aremany resources whichprovide excellent infor-mation with regards tothe occupational healthand safety of motionpicture workers.

We have provided sev-eral OSH organizationsin special points of inter-est.

Kathleen Higgins

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

References:

Association of Workers Compensa-t i o n B o a r d s o f C a n a d a ,www.awcbc.org (June 20, 2006);

Working to Death Millions DieEach Year Due To Work-RelatedAccidents and Diseases,

H.Bryan, Attitude is EverythingWorkSafe Magazine (October2005), p. 18

C.A Edwards & C.E. Humphrey,Due Diligence Under the Occupa-tional Health and Safety Act: APractical Guide (Toronto: CarswellThomson Canada, 2000)

Basic Facts About Occupational Health& Safety Responsibilities and RightsSPECIAL POINTS OF

INTEREST :

S.H.A.P.ESafety & Health

In Arts, Production and En-

tertainment

WorkSafeBC

Association of Workers Com-

pensation Boards of Canada

Links can also be found at

www.reelrumours.com

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 1

MARCH 2, 2009Working Matters

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